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Calley Enters Gubernatorial Race

Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley announced this morning that he is running to be the next Governor of Michigan. Governor Rick Snyder is term-limited and cannot run again.

Calley (R-Portland) has served as Lieutenant Governor since 2011. His campaign is touting the improvement under the Snyder-Calley administration, pledging to “Continue the Comeback,” and touting the economic improvement over the last 7 years.

Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley (Facebook profile picture)

Prior to serving as Lieutenant Governor, Brian Calley served two terms in the state House of Representatives, from 2007-2011. He is married with three children. His wife, Julie, is in her first term as state Representative.

Brian Calley appeared poised to launch a gubernatorial campaign in May, running ads for a big announcement. The announcement turned out to be the start of a ballot drive to reform Michigan government and make the legislature only part-time. The Clean Michigan Government campaign faced many challenges and obstacles, especially since it seemed to be a method to boost Calley for his gubernatorial campaign. He recently turned over leadership of the ballot drive campaign to state Board of Education member Tom McMillin.

Calley’s delay in announcing his campaign may have hurt him, as Attorney General Bill Schuette already holds a commanding lead in the Republican primary field, and has received the support of President Trump and Vice President Pence. The Better Jobs Stronger Families PAC, a group backing Schuette, has launched a promoted website attacking Calley for abandoning support of President Trump in 2016 following the release of the Access Hollywood tape. The issue could be significant in the 2018 primaries, as Trump holds significant support among Michigan Republicans.